Aluminum Etchant and Remover
Alumaremove is granular, high alkaline aluminum etchant. It removes aluminum completely from fixtures and molds. Also for other specialty applications where metal removal is needed. It quickly and aggressively dissolves aluminum. Alumaremove tolerates high levels of dissolved aluminum and has a good bath life compared to straight caustic aluminum etchants.
It is an immersion product that removes vapor deposited aluminum coatings, or aluminum residues remaining on molds used in casting operations. This allows them to be reused in a short period of time.
It is economical to use compared to other etching materials mostly due to the longer bath life and the time and cost savings of replacing an etchant tank.
Use
Alumaremove is used over a wide concentration range. To take full advantage of its etching ability it is usually used at 8-16 ounces per gallon. The higher concentration also delivers a longer bath life in addition to shorter contact times.
A rinse is used after this product because it will leave an alkaline residue on the surface which is hazardous if it contacts skin. It should not be allowed to dry on the work as dried solutions are difficult to remove.
It is generally used at room temperature. Although it will etch and remove metal at a higher rate in a heated solution, it tends to be too aggressive and may create a hazardous situation if the solution “bubbles over” the side of the tank. In situations where a lot of metal is processed there will be heat created in the tank. The tank may need to be cooled. The amount of metal should either be decreased or the tank cooled by use of a water jacket.
Safety
This is a highly alkaline product and can burn any exposed tissue. The process of dissolving the aluminum creates some hydrogen gas. There should be no open flames or gas burners in the area where this product is used. The hydrogen gas is not very hazardous to the health of the operator but using this product in an enclosed space may create a fire hazard. Local ventilation is needed. Avoid breathing any mists created by the etching process.
Advantages
Alumaremove works very quickly. It will hold aluminum in solution and require less frequent bath replacement than other etching products. It is a cost-effective way to remove aluminum for steel, stainless steel, or plastic surfaces.
Disposal
Follow local discharge regulations. Alumaremove is a highly alkaline product which should not be discharged directly into public sewers. pH adjustment will always be required. Although aluminum is not generally considered a hazardous metal, it is often alloyed with other metals that may make spent solutions a hazardous waste due to heavy metals.
